Tips for self-drive in East Africa.

Alpha Rent a Car is your number 1 premier self-drive company in East Africa known for all safety self-drive safaris with vehicles with high maintenance conditions. Uganda is one of the safe countries for one to do a self-drive though its some times challenging for one to drive in a new country. Always be vigilant on your personal safety and security for your luggage. 

• Inspect your car every morning. Check lubricants, coolant, water levels, lights, the tyres pressure, spare tyre if it’s in good shape. Especially if you have a long journey you may need a car with two spares. 
• Check vehicle service after every 3000 kilometers. Make sure the car is in good conditions. This helps you to know when you need to top up the service for safety measures.
• Driving in the night hours. When planning a self-drive, avoid driving at night especially in the cities where majorly breakdowns occur in dark places with no lights. Finding help and accommodation becomes challenging.
•  Fuel up your vehicle at a Total Energies Station or Shell Uganda to ensure quality fuel. Always ensure that you refill your fuel tank before you leave a trading center. If you need any groceries gas stations there are supermarkets which are accessed for you to buy refreshments, eat food and as well stretch your body and feel fresh to continue the journey to your destination.
• Always close windows and doors. When in traffic jam keep your doors and windows closed especially in urban areas. Do no leave your properties in accessible places, therefore observe safety.
• Observe National park rules.  Do not exceed a speed limit of 40km/hr. Park gates open between 7am to 7pm. Do not litter, do not drive off the tracks. Do no disturb wildlife by sounding motor horns. 
• Use road maps and GPS.  When travelling to your preferred destinations ensure to carry a map especially in Uganda, do not only rely on the GPS. At times even the duration varies when you get stuck in traffic jam.
• Refrain from driving while tired. Avoid driving long distances without having a rest along the way if our destination is above 12hrs please find a lodge/hotel in order to refresh and also rest/ sleepover. 
• Obey traffic regulations. Do not drive at night in the National park unless you have a game ranger and follow road sign posts such as humps ahead, diversion, corner ahead and many others. Make sure you have a driving license which is valid or an international driving license.